I Got the Ascension Script While Disguised as a Man (Imperial Examinations)

He Yunzhao is the legitimate eldest son of the Kangshun Marquis, a title bestowed posthumously upon his father He Wenqin for his loyal service and tragic death during disaster relief. In reality, He Yunzhao is a woman, the reincarnation of a modern office worker named He Yun who died from overwork. Thirteen years prior, upon her birth, her mother Madam He and grandmother Old Madam He made the desperate decision to raise her as a boy to prevent the He family’s wealth and status from being seized by distant male relatives, a fate suffered by a maternal cousin. The infant He Yun, possessing an adult’s mind, accepted this identity with pragmatic enthusiasm, viewing the path to political power as far more appealing than the traditional domestic role of a wife and mother.

The He family, though noble, is in decline. With no male heir to inherit the title and lacking active political influence, the women of the household are vulnerable. He Yunzhao’s father’s death left the family with a nominal marquis title that cannot be passed down, relying instead on a stipend granted for Old Madam He’s lifetime. To secure the family’s future, He Yunzhao dedicates herself to the Imperial Examination system. She attends Han Zhang Academy, where she quickly distinguishes herself as a brilliant scholar under the tutelage of the retired Minister of Rites, Ding Hanzhang. Her academic prowess is matched by her sharp wit, as demonstrated when she effortlessly rebuffs her uncle He Mingchang’s attempts to borrow money by feigning poverty and offering a counterproductive letter of introduction.

A central figure in He Yunzhao’s academic life is Mu Yan, also known as Mu Liulang, her closest friend since childhood. Mu Yan comes from a complex household where he is the sixth child, often overlooked in favor of siblings from his father’s favored concubine. His bond with He Yunzhao is one of deep loyalty and mutual support, particularly regarding her secret identity. Meanwhile, a new student, Xiao Changfeng, joins the academy. He is the illegitimate eldest son of General Xiao, the Jizhou Military Governor, and the nephew of Dean Ding through a deceptive marriage arrangement that隐瞒ed Xiao’s existing son. Xiao Changfeng is quiet, aloof, and initially viewed with suspicion by the academy’s faculty and students due to his controversial background.

He Yunzhao’s primary goal is to pass the Prefectural Examination to obtain the title of Cultivated Talent, which would pave the way for an official career and secure the He family’s standing. She prepares rigorously, utilizing her knowledge of classical literature and poetry. At a Literary Gathering hosted by the respected scholar Qi Jun, He Yunzhao showcases her literary talent, impressing Qi Jun with her quick wit and poetic skill. Her performance earns her recognition among the capital’s scholarly elite, marking a significant step in her academic journey. However, the political landscape is fraught with danger. The current Emperor has no sons, leading to succession struggles between Prince Xuan and Prince Heng. He Yunzhao is aware of these tensions and maintains a cautious distance from court factions, focusing instead on her studies.

The narrative explores the delicate balance He Yunzhao must maintain between her public persona as a promising young scholar and her private reality as a woman. She relies on her servant Cuiling, who is trained in medicine to help conceal her gender, and the unwavering support of her mother and grandmother. As she approaches the Prefectural Examination, He Yunzhao must navigate the competitive academic environment, manage the complexities of her family’s declining status, and avoid the pitfalls that threaten both her life and her family’s survival. The story sets the stage for her ascent in the scholarly and political worlds, driven by her determination to protect her family and achieve her own ambitions.